COYLE — The cougar terrorizing domestic animals on the Toandos Peninsula is taking on a mythical status.
State Department of Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Phil Henry said he has heard a lot of rumors but hasn’t confirmed a kill by the animal since Aug. 25 when the cat killed two alpacas along Gien Drive near the tip of Toandos Peninsula, which is 40 miles from Port Townsend, and about 60 miles for Port Angeles, south of Port Ludlow and Quilcene.
“We have a lot of rumors of people seeing it or chasing it off but nothing confirmed,” Henry said.
“No confirmed sightings and no confirmed kills by the animal.”
A case of ‘cougar mania’
Describing the tales as a case of “cougar mania,” Henry said what he really needs is for people to immediately report the sightings or attacks so he can begin tracking the animal at once.
All cougar or other wildlife-related attacks on domestic animals should be immediately reported to the State Patrol by phoning 360-478-4646 or 9-1-1, he said.
“It can be as simple as seeing the cat cross the road,” Henry said.
“The plan of action right now is to wait until we get a fresh call and follow up on that.”
Mark and Ally Stratton lost three alpacas and a milk goat in the past three weeks in attacks that appear to be from a cougar.
Henry and a dog tracker hunted the cougar for more than three hours after the last report on Aug. 25 but came up empty-handed because of warm weather, which allows the scent of an animal to dissipate quickly.
Henry said current weather conditions are perfect to track an animal as moisture and cold air help keep the scent in the area for a longer period of time
“I would say he’s bigger than the alpaca,” Henry said. “He’s a bigger cat — I’m guessing over 70 pounds.”
While other reports of cougar related deaths have come in recent weeks, including the death of three miniature horses and a number of turkeys, Henry said he could not confirm if they are cougar kills.
________
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
